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wayoutwalt
Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870
TEXAS (it's all big)

0 posted 2004-06-21 03:59 AM



The Best Poem You've Ever Read

think not of H. Thoreau
nor on that note
of Keats or Shelley
or Edgar Allan Poe

It might not hide inside the books
upon the dusty shelf
The greatest poem you've ever read
was it written by yourself?

Did you ever write a poem
that made you softly cry
the kind in which epiphany
straightens for a sigh

Was there one that you gave birth
That made your heart believe
Words weren't born so long ago
And you can still conceive

This poem that I'm writing
Is not the best there ever was
Still, few poems can do for me
What my own poetry does

When you think of Percey Shelly
And when you think of old John Keats
Remember theirs to be their own
If you wish to match their feats

The poetry that I hope you love
The kind from which you've grown
I hope the greatest that you've read
Were the ones you call your own



© Copyright 2004 Walt Burns - All Rights Reserved
passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
1 posted 2004-06-21 04:30 AM


so true!

wow!  awesome write!

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

2 posted 2004-06-21 04:36 AM


heya Walty, nice to read this beauty again.

Maree

The clouds never expect it when it rains, but the sea, changes colour, but the sea, does not change.
~Stevie Nicks~

wayoutwalt
Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870
TEXAS (it's all big)
3 posted 2004-06-21 04:37 AM


passing shadows. thank you
D.A. :  i figured if i spent some time on an oldie i wouldnt force it on writing something new just cuz I wanted to see some familiar faces. one of them, yours.

Kevo
Member
since 2004-06-02
Posts 466
Navarro County, Texas, USA
4 posted 2004-06-21 05:12 AM


Hey neighbor!  Good write.  Good sense.  I have to say I am my toughest critic and my biggest fan.  Some crazy inner conflict, huh?  But, I think sometimes when I finish one I feel like, yeah, that's what I was looking for.  I gather from your poem that you do the same.  I find great satisfaction when I write.  As if I am giving a gift.  I write a lot about honoring people important to me.  I am a perfectionist when writing about that, I guess.  I want it to leave a mark.  I want it to be accepted as the best I can give them.  Your right...I want it to be the best poem I have ever read.  Your lighthearted poem packed a very clear and poignant message.  I never really thought about it until I read your poem.  It just makes sense, especially for me.  I am looking forward to reading your work.  Your talent is obvious.  Besides someones got to take care of the locals.

Warm regards and sincere appreciation for teaching me something new about myself this morning,

Kevin

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
5 posted 2004-06-21 06:33 AM


I loved your thoughts in this piece Walt ... you've got me pondering this morning, and that's always a good thing. I never thought of it this way before. Great writing ... it's wonderful to read you.

Best wishes,
/Kit

Endlessecho
Member
since 2003-09-05
Posts 398
I live within myself
6 posted 2004-06-21 09:04 AM


This is so beautiful.. Thank you!
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
7 posted 2004-06-21 09:14 AM


Hi Walt...good to read you again.
Very much enjoyed this poem and it's left me pondering your question....
Hugs~

Something tugs at me, I've no doubt of that.
Something from the sea, whichever one I'm near.
When I stray too far from beachland, it calls me back

Bonnie j
Senior Member
since 2003-06-27
Posts 1588
Ohio
8 posted 2004-06-21 09:46 AM


I have a few that touch me deeply. When I'm writing it down it does not seem to bother me. I fine tune...then I read out loud. At times I cannot make it all the way through before my heart feels like it is going to break and tears begin to flow.
Then I think to myself.."I didn't know I was going to do that".
Good jobber
BonBon

Cerenity
Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637
Escondido-California
9 posted 2004-06-21 12:19 PM


Hi Walt,

I loved this piece so much and it's so nice to be reading your work, have a great day.

Cerenity

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
10 posted 2004-06-21 12:37 PM


Walt -- this was a great poem -- and, so true!  
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
11 posted 2004-06-21 01:04 PM


Hi Walt...good to see you!  I love this poem, and also, you're right about the greatest write.  
Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
12 posted 2004-06-21 01:43 PM


Believe me when I say that I have experienced all of those thoughts and emotions when reading my fellow Pipster's poems.

And I'd like to add, that some of my own poems have moved me as well for they were expressions from my own heart and soul and I therefore identified with them completely! lol

You really got me thinking with this write and it might very well be the best poem that I've ever read! HUGE SMILE

Truly enjoyed this!

Warm appreciative hugs,
EA


Susan
Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104
walking the surreal
13 posted 2004-06-21 03:08 PM


Oh yes, wise words, wise advice.  This was a great poem.

  Susan

Happiness isn't something that happens to you, it's created from within you.  Joy is a state of mind.

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
14 posted 2004-06-21 03:30 PM


Walt! You get a WOW from me. Short of my own that may be the most favorite poem I ever read.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sadelite
Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519

15 posted 2004-06-21 03:35 PM


WayoutWalt,
  RIGHTonWalt" or better yet, writeonwalt!
Enjoyed it much!
           Sadelite

Paula Finn
Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
16 posted 2004-06-22 11:51 AM


I gotta agree..it's like birthing a babe...all that work, all that sweat, and what do you wind up with? Something you still care for years down the line.
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

17 posted 2004-06-22 11:53 AM


Walt this is truly awesome!  I'm claiming this as my favorite of yours.  Well done sir...
Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136
Mobile, AL
18 posted 2004-06-22 07:15 PM


It is good to read this one again, Walt. It is also good to know you are still around.

All of my impurities are right here on my sleeve. This is Me"---Faith Hill


Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
19 posted 2004-07-09 02:19 PM


The poetry that I hope you love
The kind from which you've grown
I hope the greatest that you've read
Were the ones you call your own

~*~

Do it again...

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
20 posted 2004-07-09 06:38 PM


Miss ya Walt.


Michael

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